Audio-Technica ATH-ANC33iS QuietPoint – Review

Audio Technica ATH-ANC33iS QuietPoint

Audio-Technica ATH-ANC33iS QuietPoint

| 13mm Dynamic Driver | Active Noise Cancelling |




? Audio-Technica ATH-ANC33iS QuietPoint, the most popular noise cancelling in-ear headphone from Audio-Technica.

The Audio-Technica ATH-ANC33iS QuietPoint features very large 13mm dynamic drivers, active noise cancelling technology and a replaceable AAA batteries.

The Audio-Technica ATH-ANC33iS QuietPoint is probably the most famous active noise cancelling in-ear from the brand. All ANC headphones of the Audio-Technica make part of the QuietPoint series, like the:

The Audio-Technica ATH-ANC33iS QuietPoint has been on the market for a long time and the design, certainly, looks dated design-wise in comparison to more recent and modern models. Nonetheless, the ANC33iS is still a current model that has not been discontinued due to their wide popularity and fame.

The whole unit is fully build with plastic, starting from the earpieces up to the ANC module, clip and the mic/remote.

Inline, there are 2 remotes, the smaller one is the microphone and single-button remote while the large one holds the ANC circuitry, ANC switch, battery compartment and a volume wheel control – a kind of volume control system that is no longer found on earphone and is more of an “old school” style that some users still like.

The cable has a basic build and questionable durability feel but, to be fair with the Audio-Technica ATH-ANC33iS QuietPoint, even high-class in-ear monitors like the Sony MDR-EX800st came with a cable more or less inline with the one of the ANC33iS.

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Audio-Technica ATH-ANC33iS QuietPoint Review

Tests & Scores


W

Weight

Audio-Technica ATH-ANC33iS QuietPoint weight in Ounces and Audio-Technica ATH-ANC33iS QuietPoint weight in grams.





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A

Accessories & Packaging

The Audio-Technica ATH-ANC33iS QuietPoint unboxing results in an airline adapter, 1x AAA battery, 1x protective pouch, Comply™ Foam Tips (1 pair) and 3x standard eartips.

gramophone-256609/10


B

Bass & Sub Bass

The huge 13mm dynamic driver of the Audio-Technica ATH-ANC33iS QuietPoint provides bass that is punchy and sufficiently deep for most genres.

Despite this, their sub-bass will struggle to reach very deep notes due to a noticeable roll-off on their lower end.

Overall, their lower frequencies will not be greatly adapted for consumers willing intense bass or EDM listeners but could be welcomed by users that prefer a “calm” but moderately rounded bass response.

With an EQ there is a punchier and deeper sound but no extreme makeover should be expected.

gramophone-256607.25/10

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Audio Technica ATH-ANC33iS QuietPoint
Audio Technica ATH-ANC33iS QuietPoint

M

Mids & Vocals

The Audio-Technica ATH-ANC33iS QuietPoint presents noticeable mid-bass bleed and congestion of their lower mids.

Male vocals will get recessed by mid-bass bleed but higher mids exhibit a somewhat less recessed and acceptably crisp response.

Refined and audiophile-class midrange would not be the ideal definitions of their mids and vocals but good enough for average consumers not looking for a specific midrange tuning.

An EQ can provide some help by reducing part of their mid-bass intensity but their vocals will quickly become tinny and boxy.

gramophone-256606/10

Audio Technica ATH-ANC33iS QuietPoint ANC module
Audio Technica ATH-ANC33iS QuietPoint ANC module

H

Highs & Treble

The highs of the Audio-Technica ATH-ANC33iS QuietPoint inherit the congestion of their mids, showing some issues over this range as well.

Despite some brightness, their upper end sounds dark and will be unable to resolve detail.

Some sibilance is present but there are no piercing peaks, which might result in a mildly or non fatiguing sound if tracks do not have a tendency to show these spikes.

Using an EQ there will be a very noticeable improvement with added brightness and some detail finally resolved, still their highs will keep sounding dark and congested.

gramophone-256606/10

Audio Technica ATH-ANC33iS QuietPoint ANC module
Audio Technica ATH-ANC33iS QuietPoint ANC module

SL

Sound Leak

The sound leaking out of the Audio-Technica is noticeably stronger than many average earphones.

Leakage levels will remain within a non-disturbing intensity for public use when the volume settings are kept within moderate but can start to become much more hearable when the volume is cranked up.

Nonetheless, the ANC33iS are far from leaking sound as strong as open-back headphones.

gramophone-256606.5/10

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SI

Sound Isolation

The sound isolation provided by the Audio-Technica ATH-ANC33iS QuietPoint is poor when their ANC is turned off but will shows it’s full potential and radical improvement when turned on.

ANC module on the Audio-Technica is shorter than the one of the BOSE QuietComfort 20 but thicker due to the use of a AAA battery. The ANC module has the ANC switch and a rotating mechanical volume control dial- the module has a clip on the back.

Sometimes active noise cancelling earphones tend to show alteration of the sound when their ANC is turned on, the Audio-Technica ATH-ANC33iS QuietPoint does not suffer from this. With ANC on there is virtually no modification of their sound quality but there is a noticeable increment of volume output.

Once activated, the Audio-Technica ATH-ANC33iS QuietPoint was able to reach a maximum of 18dB of noise cancellation on their most efficient range and as low as -5dB on the least efficient ranges.

gramophone-256608.5/10

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C

Comfort

The Audio-Technica ATH-ANC33iS QuietPoint have, certainly, larger earpieces than many earphones on the market but this is partially because of the large 13mm dyanmic driver hold inside them.

On the other, the unit will also protrude out of the ears, which could be an issue for some users.

Despite this, the angled nozzles, light weighted housings and the clip placed on the ANC module add up to their comfort, fit and usability.

gramophone-256607.75/10

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Audio Technica ATH-ANC33iS QuietPoint ANC module
Audio Technica ATH-ANC33iS QuietPoint ANC module

EQ

Response to Equalization

The response to EQ on the Audio-Technica showed partial response across the entire audio spectrum with no radical improvement or drastic makeovers.

gramophone-256606.5/10

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Scores Scores

Audio-Technica ATH-ANC33iS QuietPoint Scores

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Frequency Response (raw)

Audio-Technica ATH-ANC33iS QuietPoint Frequency Response Curve

Audio-Technica ATH-ANC33iS QuietPoint frequency response curve
Audio-Technica ATH-ANC33iS QuietPoint frequency response curve

green= ANC off; Yellow= ANC On

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Audio-Technica ATH-ANC33iS QuietPoint Technical Specifications

Specifications

TypeDynamic
Driver Unit13mm
Sensitivity105dB/mW
Power Capacityunknown
Impedance32 ohms
Frequency Response20-20,000Hz
Battery life60 hours
Internal batteryNo
CordY-type, round cord
Cord Length1.3m
PlugStereo mini plug
WeightApprox. 26g
Supplied Accessories4x Earphone tips, AAA battery, pouch, airline adapter

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Audio-Technica ATH-ANC33iS QuietPoint

7.1

SCORE

7.1/10